Fostering Conversations

Jess and Jenny discuss mental health matters in this replay of May's Facebook Live. When you feel anxious, depressed, or lost in your life, things can feel hopeless. You are not alone, and there are tons of resources--including many listed below--if you need help. Jess and Jenny talk about how to combat those pesky thoughts that make us feel like we aren't good enough.

We are not mental health experts. Here are some great resources if you are looking for someone to talk to or get more information:

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, confidential, free, 24/7/365 help is available.

Call or text 988

Chat at https://988lifeline.org/

TTY users can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988

More resources can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/caring/index.html#cdc_caring_for_yourself_and_others_resources-resources

Lauren talks with Penn Foster High School English instructor Danielle Cooper all about teaching reading comprehension in high school, our favorite books, and why students need more, not fewer, assigned pages.

Join the conversation! Like, comment, and subscribe to Fostering Conversations: A Penn Foster Podcast and never miss an episode!

Learn more about our high school program: https://www.pennfoster.edu/high-school

Want info about Graduation 2025? Here's the FAQ: https://www.pennfoster.edu/why-penn-foster/learning/graduation

Get ready to walk across the stage and receive your diploma, degree, or certificate at Penn Foster Group's Graduation 2025 commencement and celebration! This episode contains all the info you need to register for graduation, get tickets for your friends and fam, and everything else you need to know before you go!

When: August 16, 2025

Where: Gas South Arena in Duluth, GA

Find more info on our FAQ: https://www.pennfoster.edu/why-penn-foster/learning/graduation

Lauren talks with Pam Ward and Theresa Sinkevich, two of Penn Foster's medical assistant program instructors.

Learn more about the program here:

https://www.pennfoster.edu/programs/healthcare/medical-assistant-career-diploma

Graduation 2025 FAQ:

https://www.pennfoster.edu/why-penn-foster/learning/graduation

We talk with college freshman and JMHS graduate Beth Dusenkova about her international high school experience and how it prepared her for college. She shares how her mental health struggles were the catalyst for her pursuing her high school diploma online. And Beth gives us insights on the differences between American and Slovakian high schools, gushes about her two cats, and talks about her future plans with the Czech police force.

Graduation 2025 FAQ: https://www.pennfoster.edu/why-penn-foster/learning/graduation

Jenny, Jess, and Dr. Andy Shean discuss how AI and LLM (language learning models) can be used in education to help students and teachers. They get into how AI could be an affordable tutor, but that it is somewhat unreliable and to be cautious.

Graduation 2025 FAQ: https://www.pennfoster.edu/why-penn-foster/learning/graduation

Is it too late to go back to school as an adult? Jess and Jenny break down what it’s really like to return to school later in life. They discuss the challenges adult learners face, share study and time management tips, and offer words of encouragement to help you stay motivated. Plus, hear inspiring stories from graduates who have successfully earned their diplomas and degrees at any age. If you’re considering furthering your education, this episode is for you!

Go back to school at any age:

https://www.pennfoster.edu/high-school/for-adults

Got questions about returning to high school as an adult? We've got answers!

https://www.pennfoster.edu/blog/going-back-to-school-as-an-adult-faqs

Are online high school and homeschooling the same thing? Not quite! In this episode of Fostering Conversations, Lauren breaks down the differences between the two. If you want to learn how each works, the level of parental involvement required, and how factors like accreditation, curriculum structure, and grading vary between them, check it out!

Plus, we answer two of the most common questions about Penn Foster: Is it accredited? And how do you turn in assignments?

If you’re thinking about homeschooling or an online high school or are just curious about alternative education, this episode has all the tea!

Is Penn Foster High School Homeschooling?

https://www.pennfoster.edu/blog/is-penn-foster-homeschooling

Learn more about our online high school program:

https://www.pennfoster.edu/high-school

In this episode, Jenny, Jess, and Kristin dive into what the job market looks like in 2025! They break down the hottest job opportunities, share expert tips on crafting a standout resume, and dish out interview strategies that actually work.

From tailoring your resume to showing up authentically in interviews—and even mastering the post-interview follow-up—they cover it all. Plus, Kristin brings her insider knowledge from talent acquisition to help job seekers get ahead in a competitive market. Don't miss this packed episode full of actionable career advice!

5 Jobs You Need to Know About in 2025

https://www.pennfoster.edu/blog/in-demand-careers

Top Healthcare and Medical Careers for 2025

https://www.pennfoster.edu/blog/top-healthcare-and-medical-careers

Lauren sits down with Haley, an Ashworth College graduate and this year’s Graduate of the Year winner, to chat about his journey. Haley talks to us about why he chose to get his criminal justice degree from Ashworth, what it was like going to college online, and how he landed his first job out of college as a paralegal. He tells us how he stayed motivated, set goals, and made frequent use of Ashworth's learner resources. Plus, he offers some great advice for anyone thinking about going back to school and talks about what’s next for him—including applying to law school!

Interested in criminal justice? Learn more about Ashworth's BS in Criminal Justice:

https://www.ashworthcollege.edu/bachelors-degrees/online-criminal-justice-degree/

Read our interview with Haley on the Ashworth blog:

https://www.ashworthcollege.edu/blog/2024-ashworth-college-online-graduate-interview/